Real Madrid shortlist three high-profile forwards as patience with current star runs thin | OneFootball

According to Fichajes, Real Madrid are seriously considering parting ways with Vinicius Jr. in the summer transfer window—and they already have three high-profile names in mind to replace the Brazilian.

Despite being one of the club’s most marketable stars and key to recent successes, Vinicius is losing support behind the scenes due to inconsistency, a lack of discipline on and off the pitch, and a growing sense that he has plateaued.

The report suggests that the club’s top decision-makers, including Carlo Ancelotti and Florentino Perez, are evaluating whether the time has come to cash in on the winger and bring in a more focused, clinical, and mentally mature forward.

While the decision to move on from Vinicius would be monumental, the club is preparing for every scenario—and three potential replacements have already emerged.

Potential replacements

Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres is enjoying a sensational season in Portugal and is one of the top names on Real Madrid’s radar. The Swedish international is strong, pacy, and offers an excellent work rate with a consistent goal-scoring touch.

Gyokeres may not carry the same global star power as Vinicius yet, but his upward trajectory and performances suggest he could soon reach elite status.

Meanwhile, AC Milan’s Rafael Leao is another strong candidate. The Portuguese winger has long been admired at the Bernabeu for his explosive pace, dribbling ability, and flair in one-on-one situations.

Leao’s style mirrors what Vinicius once brought at his best, but with arguably more tactical discipline. A big-money move would be required, but Real Madrid view it as a worthwhile investment to add more decisiveness in the final third.

Lastly, while he is currently on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, Victor Osimhen remains one of the most dangerous strikers in Europe.

The Nigerian forward is a natural goal scorer with a ruthless edge in front of goal, and his physical presence makes him a constant threat.

Real Madrid have been monitoring him closely, and with Napoli open to offers, this could be a realistic target.

Osimhen would not be a direct Vinicius replacement in terms of playing style, but his signing could lead to a reshuffling of the front three with a more centralised goal-scoring approach.